The contract covers delivery and training for six deployable headquarters for SOFCOM, known as Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands. These DPOPs will provide deployable communication and information systems tailored to the specific needs of NATO Special Operations Forces.
The new systems are intended to form the cornerstone of a future secure information and communication architecture for special operations. The architecture will be built on classified and resilient networks designed for demanding operational conditions.
Thales and Leonardo said the systems would provide zero-day deployable IT infrastructure, resilient communications and high-performance computing with a reduced electromagnetic and physical footprint. They will also provide a secure multi-domain environment for mission data exchange, using field-proven solutions designed to support robustness, interoperability and strong cybersecurity.
The programme will also introduce real time Full Motion Video sharing across different deployable systems for the first time in a NATO context. The capability is intended to improve the operational effectiveness and situational awareness of NATO Special Forces.
As system providers, Thales and Leonardo will deliver NATO’s next-generation deployable communication and information systems, which can be operated and upgraded throughout their complete lifecycle. Training and support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition to operations under NCIA lead.
The Franco-Italian partnership will also draw on industrial assets across the Alliance. The consortium said key technologies from the UK and Germany would support delivery of the systems to NATO.
Alexandre Bottero, Vice President, Networks and Infrastructure Systems at Thales, said: “Thales brings end-to-end expertise in secure information and communication systems, deep knowledge of NATO’s reference architecture, and a long track record of delivering projects to the Alliance. By combining this expertise with Leonardo’s capabilities, we are harnessing the best of European industry in a modular, upgradable, and field-proven system, providing NATO Special Forces with next-generation deployable CIS.”
Leonardo’s role includes experience developed in Italy through the delivery of complete regimental and divisional command post capabilities. Antonio Levato, SVP Air and Land Systems Land and Sea Business at Leonardo Electronics, said: “Leonardo’s experience, developed at Italian level through the delivery of complete Regimental and Divisional Command Post capabilities, enables the introduction of modular NATO-ready systems based on fixed and expandable shelters.”
Levato said: “The strength of the design stems from the close collaboration between industry and the end user, who has chosen Leonardo as both the System Integrator and the Design Authority for Italian command post.” He added: “This partnership among two major players of the European defence industry allows to combine Leonardo’s field proven deployable solutions with Thales experience in NATO’s secure communications programs.”
The project combines Thales’ expertise in secure communication systems and NATO reference architecture with Leonardo’s deployable command post capabilities. The companies said the partnership brings together proven building blocks and the latest available technologies to deliver scalable capabilities required by the Alliance.
